Press Release (30 June 2014)

Friends to record song to fundraise for Pádraig Schäler / Cairde le hamhrán a thaifeadadh ar son Phádraig Schäler

*LEAGAN GAEILGE THÍOS*

A group of friends have come together to record a special song in order to fundraise for their friend, talented swimmer and passionate Dublin Gaeilgeoir Pádraig Schäler. The enterprising young people took part in a challenge swim, #SnámhPhádraig, in April this year when they swam in every coastal county in Ireland in the space of two days. They hope that this latest fundraising push will exceed the €37,000 they raised in that endeavor. There will be a special fundraising ‘Night of Music for Pádraig’ at Club Conradh na Gaeilge, Harcourt Street, Dublin on Tuesday 1st July and the recording will take place 2nd – 3rd July in Sonic Studios, Stoneybatter. They hope to release the song in August.

Pádraig, 24 years old, was critically injured while on a J1 visa in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on the 27 June 2013. He was cycling to work when he was hit by a van and he has been in a coma ever since. He had just completed his undergraduate studies in Trinity College Dublin, where he was studying Irish and History. After 2 weeks in intensive care in the US, his parents brought him home to Ireland. Eventually Pádraig’s parents took the decision to move him to Germany, where he is now receiving the treatment he needs and is making slow but steady progress.

Pádraig’s friends have come together to record a bilingual song in honour of their friend, and in the hopes of raising money to help ease the financial burden that has been placed on his family. A special fund has been set up, ‘Caring for Pádraig’ and all proceeds from ‘Song for Pádraig’ will go towards the many and varied costs of Pádraig’s care.

Talented musician Maitiú Ó Casáide, a good friend of Pádraig’s, explained the concept behind the song: “Pádraig’s Dad, Reinhard, writes a daily blog at www.hospi-tales.com. It’s a wonderful way for Pádraig’s friends to keep up to date with his progress while he is so far away in Germany. The blog is very moving and I was struck by one post in particular. In it, Reinhard wrote about a dream he had where himself and Pádraig built a boat together. It was really beautiful and it inspired me to write a song called ‘Dream Boat’. Pádraig is a huge music fan and he is friendly with a lot of bands. The idea is to get lots of Pádraig’s friends together to record a track that is full of positive energy. The aim is to raise as much money as possible but also to support and show our love for Pádraig and his family, to let them know we are always thinking of them, especially now, a year on from the accident.”